Man arrested for breaking into church

Staff Report

May 14, 2014

GREENVILLE - William A. Boyd Jr., 41, was arrested Tuesday night after sheriff deputies found stolen property in his home from a local church.

At approximately 11:02 p.m. a Darke County deputy discovered an open door at Grace Brethren Church located on State Route 49 south of Greenville after having previously responded to several reports of suspicious persons in the same general area.

During the open-door check it was discovered that three TVs, two guitars and a tool kit had been removed from their original location in the church and piled up near one of the exit doors. Other units on duty responded to the church and a search of the church was conducted but no persons were found to be present.

Deputies on the scene were aware of a previous Breaking and Entering incident that occurred on Sunday. Deputies were also aware of other recent church break-ins where suspects/persons of interest had been developed. As deputies were processing the scene for evidence they observed a suspicious vehicle nearby. Deputies approached the vehicle and learned that the occupants were related to the above mentioned suspects persons of interest. Leads were then developed on the possible location for one of those suspects’ whereabouts.

Darke County deputies along with officers from the Greenville Police Department responded to 429 Martin in Greenville where Boyd was located and arrested. The same residence was subsequently searched where evidence was located and seized that supported the suspicions of the investigating officer.

Investigations into the recent church break-ins continue. Anyone with information about these break-ins are encouraged to contact the Darke County Sheriff’s Office at 548-2020 or the Greenville Police Department at 548-1103. Anonymous tips can also be provided by calling Darke County Crime Stoppers at 547-1661 or at www.darkecountycrimestoppers.com.